Panda cub in Washington is thriving ahead of public debut

Andrew Harnik

Published 7:15 am, Wednesday, December 16, 2015

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Panda cub in Washington is thriving ahead of public debut

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In this photo taken Dec. 14, 2015, Bei Bei, the National Zoo's newest panda and offspring of Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, is presented for members of the media at the National Zoo in Washington. The youngest giant panda cub at the National Zoo is ready for his close-up. Bei Bei will make his public debut on Jan. 16. During an audience with a small news media contingent Monday, he was so relaxed that he fell asleep and drooled on an examination table. At nearly 4 months old, Bei Bei weighs more than 17 pounds and is gaining about a pound a week. He’s bigger than his older siblings were at the same age. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)